Helambu Circuit Trek

The Helambu Circuit trek is the absolutely calm and tranquil area for trekking and the trails are blissfully famous for its outstanding natural beauty, fascinating culture and favorable climates. The landscape is classic Himalayan foothills, with plenty of dramatic rises and plummeting descents. On this grand Helambu trekking adventure, discover unchanged central Nepal: trails pass through dense forests and traditional Buddhist villages and while the mountain views are genuinely inspiring. You pass through dramatic ridges, through villages inhabited by the Tamang people, into lush forests of rhododendron, conifers and oak and past mountain cattle grazing on rich alpine pastures under the watchful eyes of their herders. Breathtaking mountains views emerge on yours ascent as the vegetation becomes sparser and the conditions more challenging.

Short Itinerary

Day 1: Greetings at Kathmandu Airport

Day 2: A full day sightseeing tour of Kathmandu, the capital valley

Day 3: Kathmandu Drive to Sundarijal (1350m) and trek to Chisopani (2140m).

Day 4: Chisopani trekking to Gul Bhanjyang (2140 m)

Day 5: Gul Bhanjyang trekking to Tharepati (3597m)

Day 6: Tharepati trekking to Melamchi (2560m)

Day 7: Melamchi to Tarkeghyang (2590m)

Day 8: Tarkeghyang to Sermathang (2610m)

Day 9: Sermathang Trekking to Melamchi Bazaar (828m) and drive to Kathmandu

Day 10: Farewell Departure

Detailed Itinerary

Day 1: Greetings at Kathmandu Airport

We will meet you at Kathmandu Tribhuvan International Airport and transfer to your hotel. When you have had your time to settle in and freshen up after your long fight, you will be invited to visit our office for a briefing about your program. You will have meeting with your trekking guide and discuss about the equipment needed for the trekking and we will process for the trekking permits. If you arrive at night we will have same discussion in next day morning after your breakfast.

Day 2: A full day sightseeing tour of Kathmandu, the capital valley

The very next morning, after breakfast you will leave for a full day sightseeing tour around Kathmandu valley. You can visit sacred Pashupatinath Temple and Swyambhunath, very ancient and essentially enlisted in UNESCO World Heritage sites. The biggest Buddhist Stupa at Boudhnath and the fine arts and historical architecture of Kathmandu Durbar Square reflecting the ancient Nepalese culture are highlighted on our guided tour. A visit to Patan City will enchant you with its famous fine arts and historical architecture. On return to your hotel you will have time to explore the local area, have dinner and perhaps take a leisurely stroll through the popular streets.

Day 3: Kathmandu Drive to Sundarijal (1350m) and trek to Chisopani (2140m).

Drive for about an hour from Kathmandu to Sundarijal (1350m) where there is a large water project which supplies most of the drinking water to Kathmandu Valley. The unpaved road turns into a trail near a small hydroelectric plant and starts up a concrete steps alongside the water pipe. Beyond Sundarijal the trail climbs continuously through forests to a medieval-looking reservoir, dam and waterworks. Crossing the dam, the trail leaves the water supply system and climbs steeply to a road to the top of the Shivapuri ridge and wildlife reserve. The trail now continues up hill through the forest to meet the Mulkharka Villages with the inhabitants of Tamang people. The trail continues with climbing on the forest of rhododendron and oaks after pass the Borlang Bhanjyang trail goes downhill to Chisopani (2140m), The mountain views are excellent from here can see the views of Annapurna to Everest.

Day 4: Chisopani trekking to Gul Bhanjyang (2140 m)

The trail continues to drop from Chisopani on a good sometimes level crossing meadows and fields. There are good mountain views as you leave the wide track and drop down into the valley on a muddy zigzagging path. The trail heads north out of Pathi Bhanjyang (1770m), the Brahman and chhettri village and a gentle ascent to a small white chorten at the Sherpa village of Thakuni Bhanjyang. Make a very steep ascent on switch back to Chipling and 200m climb on a stone staircase to the top of the Jhogin Danda ridge (2470m). You’ll have good views of the peaks as you drop down through rhododendron forest on the far side of the pass. Continuing along the forested ridge, the trail descends to a large chorten overlooking the Tamang village of Gul Bhanjyang.

Day 5: Gul Bhanjyang trekking to Tharepati (3597m)

The trail climbs the ridge from Gul Bhanjyang to another pass at 2620m. The trail steadily climbs through prickly leaved oak forest with excellent views of the mountains and the Helambu valley. The trek proceeds due north up the Yurin Danda ridge and affords views of the peaks above Langtang and of the Gosaikunda peaks. The trail climbs above Kutumsang on a steep, eroded trail, mostly through fir and rhododendron forests where there are only few shepherds’ huts. The trail descends to Magen Goth and continues to climb, steeply at first, and then more gradually, the trail makes some ups and downs passing through forests, across flower-strewn meadows and crossing streams. A steep path raises above the village to a fluttering white prayer flag on a mind swept hilltop, offering a perfect panorama of the Langtang Himalaya. We arrived at Tharepati Rise early for excellent close up views of Gosaikunda and surrounding high mountains. Overnight stay at lodge.

Day 6: Tharepati trekking to Melamchi (2560m)

Heading east from Tharepati, the trail drops rapidly down the ridge. The path passes pine and rhododendron forest rich with bird life along with good views down into the Helambu valley. The ridge gives you a marvelous mountain view of the Jugal Himal and Numbur in the Solu Khumbu. Crossing the village and enter a forested area descending to Melamchi River followed to the Melamchi Gaon. Melamchi Gaon is surrounded by beautiful forests, which is mainly inhabited by Sherpa people with their unique culture and spectacular Buddhist monasteries.

Day 7: Melamchi to Tarkeghyang (2590m)

From the Gompa in Melamchi Gaon, the trail drops rapidly into the forest, passing a series of large chortens, a reminder of the strong Buddhist influence in the village. The trek descends steeply to the valley floor, where you can have a well earned dip in the crystal- clear stream named as Melamchi. After crossing the bridge the trail climbs steeply up to the sprawling valley of Nakote (1980m). Then the trail goes gently up to beautiful Sherpa village Tarkeghyang (ghyang means monastery) passing through Sherpa old settlements and biggest monasteries. Narrow cobbled lanes and tightly packed houses here resemble the high altitude villages of Mustang and Dolpo which are worth viewing. Tarkeghyang boasts an 18th century Gompa with huge brass prayer wheel.

Day 8: Tarkeghyang to Sermathang (2610m)

Today the trail is quite easy through flat land with beautiful forests. The trail leads us cross small forest with the view of beautiful village of Helambu region. The trail makes a sweep around the wide valley end between Parachin and Sherpa village of Gangyul of Khumbu region. Sermathang is another pretty Sherpa village where you can visit many ancient monasteries and view of Jugal Himal range. In the clear day the villages provide good views of Ganesh Himal, Langtang, Gosaikunda and Rolwaling, Even Mt. Everest also in a distance.

Day 9: Sermathang Trekking to Melamchi Bazaar (828m) and drive to Kathmandu

Today The trail gradually descends all the way to Melamchi Pul Bazaar through meadows and cultivated fields. On the way, you come across several old villages. With the spectacular Mountain View, you will get to interact with local and friendly people. From here take a drive of around 3-4 hrs to the Kathmandu valley. Enjoy the panoramic views all the way, enjoying the cool air and forested road. Drive back to Kathmandu by bus or private vehicle; join Nepali cultural dinner in the evening overnight in Kathmandu hotel.

Day 10: Farewell Departure

Today is free or last minute you have few hour special shopping for your relatives. If you have more time you can do some shopping or sightseeing. We will drop you to the International airport to catch your flight back to your home and wish for your Safe journey.

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Trip Facts

Duration: 10 days

Highest Altitude: 3500 m

Lowest Altitude: 1380 m

Trek Grade: Moderate

Joining in: Kathmandu Nepal

Location: Langtang Trekking Regions

Best time: March-April, September - November are the best seasons. However, July & August are okay and trekking can be done but not so clear visibility due to rain.